While it's true that some people are born with a creative mind, it doesn't mean that creative thinking can't be learned and developed.  You may even believe that you don't have a creative bone in your body, but this simply isn't true. If you weren't capable of some type of creative thinking, you'd be a robot!
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Believing In Yourself
The first step toward creative thinking is the belief that you can acquire and develop the
skill. The truth is that, if you continue to set up a mental roadblock and tell yourself that you can't think creatively, you'll never get past this first step. When you truly believe in yourself, you also open up doors. The possibilities are endless just because you decided to give creative thinking a shot.

Developing Creativity
In order to foster creativity in your life, start thinking about where you want to apply
your newfound creativity. It'll help, at least at first, to have a specific goal instead of the
broad goal of just "thinking" creatively overall. You might start with discovering better solutions to common problems at the office, or you might want to broaden your horizons with an artistic goal in your free time.

No matter what your goal is, try applying some of these creativity boosting tips:

1. Spend time brainstorming. When looking for ideas for a project - or solutions to a
challenge - write down everything that comes to mind without holding back. Don't
worry about logistics or staying organized; just let your mind go free.

• Another form of brainstorming that might be worth a try is free writing: just pick up a
pen and let your mind go wild on the topic of your choice. Tell yourself that you can't
pause or put the pen down; you must keep writing. You'll be surprised at what you can
unload from your brain during a free writing session!

2. Change your surroundings. You may have noticed that your patterns of thinking
change when you're in different places. If you find that your mind is stuck, try
changing your environment. Go out for some fresh air or hang out in a coffee shop. It
may be just what you need in order to discover a new and exciting idea.

3. Take notes. Always carry some kind of note taking device with you, whether it's
paper or a mobile device. Record your ideas as they come to you, no matter
where you are at the time. Creative thoughts can come and go, but if you write
them down you won't forget them.

4. Research your topics. Even though it may seem boring, you can do some research
online. When you do, you'll learn that knowledge is power and it'll enable your brain
to get to a place it wouldn't normally have gone.

• Enjoy the journey and always follow your love of learning. Research will always
provide you with new angles of thought.

Consider Other Perspectives
While everyone comes with their own unique set of abilities and opinions, when you
develop your creativity, you learn how to come up with new ideas and solve
problems from different points of view.

No matter what challenge you're faced with, spend time considering the perspective of others. While you might not share the opinion of another, see if you can figure out how or why they have that view. Think about how they feel. Developing this empathy will keep your mind open, which will always foster creativity. When you get into the habit of using these tips often, you'll be pleased to see outbursts of creativity!

Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

As we navigate what is considered a "new normal", our ability to move forward with our creative practice is imperative for our well-being.  In addition ito other daily activities, a morning pages or journaling practice is one way to stay centered and connect to our creative muse. 

The phrase "morning pages" was made popular by Julia Cameron, the best-selling author of the book The Artist's Way in the early 90s.  Morning pages are a stream-of-consciousness longhand journaling which is done first thing every morning on a daily basis.   The idea is use the writing to as a mind "dump" of any thoughts that come out of your head as a way to start your day on a clean slate.  Julia Cameron, created this approach to journaling as a way for people to spark their creativity and move past their creative blocks. 

"Writing in a journal is an act of self-expression that is done periodically to record feelings and inspire ideas. Morning pages serve a deeper purpose. This type of journaling is a cathartic, ritualistic writing process that clears your mind, builds confidence, and creates a path for greater creativity."-Masterclass.com

Whether you choose to write the morning pages or some kind  of daily journaling  practice, there are four benefits for maintaining this kind of ritual:. 

1.  A daily writing practice helps  you to clear your mind.

2.  sA daily writing practice  helps you to process emotion.

3.  A daily writing practice can help you spark your creativity. 

4. A daily writing practice can help  silence your inner critic.

Want to start a daily morning pages or journaling practice but not sure how to start?  
Or do you have a daily practice but not sure how it can unleash your creativity?   

During these uncertain times, we need to thilnk through strategies to not only encourage and support our creative practice but also for mental and emotional support.  A creative community can be the answer for both. 

I define a creative community as more than just a creative membership organization, (which it can be), but a group of artists, writers, or other creative people who may meet on a regular basis to exchange ideas, provide critique of work (if appropriate), share new work or ideas, socialize, celebrate wins and well create a sense of community.  It may be organic as a group of friends or a writing pod or more formal like a membership organization.  They may meet in person or online. They may be as many as three people or as large as hundreds or thousands.  They may be formed around a specific creative practice or may include people with multiple passions and interests.  They may be formal or informal, but they serve as resource and support to members and their creativityi. 

With life being more intense than ever, a creative community has many advantages to creative people...here's a few:

1. A sense of belonging:  With COVID-19 keeping many people away from loved ones, friends and creative colleagues.  Isolation can add to the stress of dealing with a pandemic.  A creative communitiy, even if they meet online can bring a sense of belonging and feeling that there others that care when you feel especially alone.
2. Socialization with Like-Minded People: If you are the only person in your household or among your family or friends who is a writer or painter, it is comforting to be around other writers or artists who understand some of the triumphs and struggles of being a creative.  
3. Feedback for Your Work:  A creative community can provide some feedback for your work.  For example, if you want to try something new or go a different direction, it's great to have a ready group of individuals that is part of your creative community to bounce ideas off of.
4. Sharing resources:  Let's face it, some creative practices have expensive supplies and resources to maintain, especially as inflation currently is engulfing the country. A creative community may have swaps or someone may give away or sell deep discounted art supplies or other resources that you may not have the option to purchase otherwise.
5. Support for Your Wins:  You got into that artist residency, published your first novel, or you got a gig as opening musical act for renown jazz band.  If those around you don't understand or share your excitement, your creative community will. These are the people who will show up and root for you when no one else will.

​Are you a member of a creative community? If not, have you considered forming one?